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Po exited the room and walked down the thousand step. Unbeknownst to him, Viper was following him. She had taken the shift-stone with her and took a form of a wren, she carefully tugged the silk pouch which embedded the shift-stone with her tiny talon and flew at a reasonable distance from the panda. She watched as Po heading to Miss Ching's house, knocked diffidently at the door and waited while dancing his nervous paw tips, tapping his claw together in drumming motion. Another mirroring black and white figure emerged from behind the door. Tigress was right, she was feminine, dainty, fragile looking, rather cute and plushy panda bear. She braided her chubby black arm on one of Po's, a female goose - her mother, was having a word with Po (more looked like giving polite warning?) before they left. 'So, it's true that she had a goose mother.' Viper thought.
Both of them head to Mr Xiu's restaurant which served best Dim Sum in Valley of Peace. The restaurant was jammed packed with rollicking customers .A few of them seemed to recognise Po imposing Dragon Warrior's persona and complimented how winsome he looked, some bowed respectfully, and making some sort of embarrassing comment causing Po's blushes further to bloom. Viper couldn't quite decipher what conversation was, the hustle and bustle of people talking were overtaking her sense of hearing. As the waiter escorted Po to a table close to the wall, Viper impulsively made her second move. The wall was above Po's height but not that high for Viper to eavesdrop their conversation.
"This is a nice place, Po, thanks for agreeing to take me here." Viper heard Lu's silky voice marking her brazen first move, she smiled rather too sweetly as she landed her sultry gaze to the panda in front of her. Po swallowed uneasily. Viper spluttered quietly watching his innocent figure squirmed and deflated at his seat.
"So Po, how long have you been the Dragon warrior," Lu asked again. Viper saw Po looked at his paws and started to count with a fake seriousness facade.
"...rmmm...about 8 years." He grinned sheepishly, and then awkwardly trying to avert his glance on the imaginary dumpling on the wall but still risking stealing a brief glance at his date.
"That's quite a while." She replied with a friendly tone in an effort to dissolve his teeming uneasiness.
"...well kind-da, but the Five had been here much longer than me." Po chuckled in more relaxed manner. "You mean the Furious Five?" She reciprocated. "...you knew them?" A spark of kung-fu devotee excitement unleashed in his face at the mention of the subject he was passionate about.
"How can I miss knowing the acclaimed Dragon Warrior and the Furious Five? you guys are the talk of the village." She snickered at Po's change of expression. His innocence was visible as the sun.
"Yeah, well, Tigress had been trained the longest, that's why she was the best." Po chatted proudly. Viper thought that was probably not the best thing he needed to say to his date, but alas... Po couldn't help it, he was just being honest. Lu scoffed at his comment, a wrathful snarl pulled her lips away. Po quickly realised his mistake.
"Uhm... sorry... you, don't really...like her don't ya?" He cowered and shrank at his seat, watching his date looked unmistakably offended at his insensitive, conspicuous remark.
"... it's not that, I saw you two were very close..." She grunted with incriminating, resentful flare. Po just remained silent and decided probably it's too dangerous to defend himself, he let Lu drew herself a conclusion.
"Shall we...order now?" Awkwardly, Po was quick to change to much lighter, non-personal subject. They discussed for a bit, Po stood and made his way to the counter. Viper kept an eye of the female panda prudently. She saw Lu bending down and stealthily dropped something inside Po's tea. And then she sat back, pretending nothing had happened. Viper sensed danger before Po came back, she flew and purposely knocked over the tea, causing the cup to fall on the ground and the tea spluttered staining the tablecloth and the floor.
"Oh, you... stupid bird!" She heard Lu cursed under her breath. Infuriated, she was chasing Viper, but thankfully a waiter winning back Lu's attention.
"Is everything alright Miss?" She politely asked after hearing a ruckus erupting from the incident. And Po emerged behind her. Lu who was undeniably enraged, now trying to mask her indignation, not wanting Po to muddle over what she was actually plotting. A fabricated, sweet yet subtle smile tugged on her maw, convincing the male panda there was nothing to worry about. And there was clueless Po, grinning obliviously on his almost ill-fated fortune.
"Oh no, it's ok, a bird just accidentally knocked over my cup of tea..." She darted her tender gaze at Po, while her hand craftily replaced Po's cup with her. Viper peered again from the wall, she noticed the spillage not only caused a mere trail of stain on the tablecloth, but the liquid produced some kind of exothermic reaction and formed a hole. But since it was on the side of the cloth that hung vertically, Po couldn't actually see it. In all account, Viper was sure Lu was trying to poison Po, but why?
Both of them sat back down, the waiter placed another tea cup for Lu, and politely bided to leave.
"So...could you tell me about your friends in the Jade Palace." Lu enquired.
"Are you really wanted to hear about them? I don't want to bore you with all the detail." Po muttered noncommittally, he couldn't believe a dainty girl like Lu would be interested in rough, kicking ass business like kung fu. But again, Po couldn't possibly offer an evening in passionate conversation over sewing, claw's manicure, shop with most reasonably priced clothing, flowers arrangement class, or other genteel feminine pursuit.
"Try me..." She smirked. A firecracker like enthusiasm lit up on Po's face accompanying his wide goofy smile.
After a good 15 minutes, Po was still babbling on the history of five of his friends. Viper swore despite the panda's fervour ejected on every word he said, her eyelids were drooping and Po's comforting voice infused with general murmurs on the background encouraged her to sleep. The two pandas seemed to finally find good conversational topics that excite both of them. Viper yawned, she just hoped the pandas would be done with the date as soon as possible before passing her bedtime.
"... so Tigress was an orphan like us?" She heard Lu's feminine squeal. And talking about Tigress was just the thing Po zealous about, but this time, he left his long list commendation for the feline to himself. Viper recollected Tigress told her how aggressive Lu reacted when Po showing closeness to her, almost acknowledging she was her competitor. It's sort of natural that Lu wanted to know more about her contender. Po told Lu about Bao Gu, and how Shifu adopted Tigress.
"So, are you guys often go for dangerous mission...?" She asked again in luscious tune, claw clasped, her chin sat cutely on it.
"Well... this month was fairly quiet, other than minor bandits disturbance... all in a day job for the Dragon Warrior." Po proudly stated.
"No more mission in near future?" She heard Lu's question. Viper was wondering why she was so interested in Po's mission.
"Only the master's dinner, we are invited to Zhencen to celebrate the autumn festival." He stated with matter-a-factly tone.
"Well, I do hope you'll enjoy your time, Po... you deserve it. You've been working so hard protecting others, Dragon Warrior. Fair to say it is a well-deserved break from the routine." She complemented. Po blushed at her comment.
"I think we have to make a move now, it's getting late. I'll walk you home." Po stood up. Both of them walked home, Lu was still clinging on Po's left arm. His expression looked somewhere between perplexed and relieved. Soon arrived at the house which was previously owned by the late Mr Chang.
"Today was fun, Po, thank you," Lu said sweetly. She locked her captivating gaze with her date, who just fidgeted anxiously. But the female panda was not going to let him ruined the much awaited moment, she leant forward and closed the gap between them. Viper saw Lu gripped an object which resembled a necklace with a large red ruby like stone, she squinted her eyes, felt that stone looked somewhat familiar. But Viper's thought was sharply intervened by Po's yelp, who looked like about to choke in distress. Viper had to think on her tail (she got no feet!) on what to do next, she couldn't let this happen! 'Right, time for contingency plan' Viper muttered to herself. She released the shift-stone and let her original form returned. She quickly lunged and smacked Po hard from the side causing the panda to fall ungracefully with a loud thud.
"Oh, Po, sorry to interrupt, there are bandits in the marketplace, I was in such a rush I didn't see you. Tigress already on her way." She fibbed. Po mind raced. "Lu, I am sorry, I had to go." He stated. Viper didn't even give that bear another chance, coiled his wrist and pulled him with all her might as if they had to leave in such a hurry. The annoyed female panda stood disdainfully throwing a glare at Viper, crossing her arms defiantly over her rotund chest.
"Sorry Po". The snake mumbled apologetically under her breath as they dashed to the marketplace. "Hey, I should thank you... you saved me there." He smiled, but the pink had yet to leave his white cheeks. After they were a good distance away, Viper stopped. "Po..., I lied... there is no bandit. I did it to save you from that kiss." Po surprised feature quickly turned into a serious frown.
"Right you are...wait... so you'd been watching us all along?" He fumed, a deep irritation drawn on his face. Collecting all the facts and came to conclusion, he exhaled, "...did Tigress told you to spy on me?" He tried to make it sound less accusing, but he did wonder how truthful Tigress was yesterday when she about to give him 'blessing' to go ahead to go on a date with Lu. I thought she trust me. Immediately realising that she might have invaded his comrade's privacy and potentially getting her friend in trouble Viper disclosed her discovery.
"You see Po, Tigress think Lu was concealing something from us... and the final verdict on today's finding confirmed just that, she certainly had a hidden agenda. I'll explain to you later. Let's go back to the palace." Viper defended. Was Lu really hiding something unpleasant from him? He thought they could make a very good friend. Was Viper or Tigress just being overindulgence in empty skepticism? And why was Tigress didn't trust him enough to send someone else to spy on him? Torn between his own struggle, the panda's just silently relented.
Viper slithered to the palace gate and wait patiently for her friend. Behind her was Po, crawling painstakingly on the last few steps of the stairs. He plopped at the final step, tongue lolling out as he panted while stealing for much-needed oxygen in between. His form was soaked with a clammy layer of sweat.
"Viper *pant* thank *pant* you... *pant* for waiting….." Viper witnessed as the panda that beat many of China's greatest enemy, now fell flat on his belly to the ground, defeated by two his greatest adversary : his own weight and gravity. He was glad the torture finally over. Even after 8 solid years, his nemesis still stood there winning every battle... Po did wonder, Viper didn't have any legs and she could be faster than him, so clearly the number of legs had nothing to do with how speedy one can be reaching the top of the stairs. Viper just smiled sympathetically at her friend, this kind of thing that gave a thought-provoking touch to Dragon Warrior many facets of personality and made him such a special hero. Po can be both gentle and intimidating, often shy but can be overly confident, clumsy yet imposing, can beat impregnable enemy yet nearly passed out climbing stairs.
"You are doing it much faster, Po." She encouraged.
"Thanks, Viper...One day, this panda asthma… shall be cured…." He finally stood albeit looking unstable. Viper headed to the student barrack, in search for Tigress.
"Tigress, are you there? may we come in?" She tapped the rice paper door with the end of her tail. Po was right behind her.
"Yes... just come in." The voice from inside answered. Po slid the door to let both of them in. Tigress clearly didn't expect Po, a hint of guilty feeling began to drag her. Po probably knew she sought Viper's help to spy on him. While Po prevented his eyes from meeting the tiger's form altogether, Viper darted her stare between the two master only to witness the growing frustration and awkwardness filling the air.
"So how's your date?" Tigress concisely raised the question to avoid the panda's suspicion. She quickly straightened up herself and sat on the edge of her bed, however keeping her amber orbs averted from Po's. She tapped a space next to her for Viper, while Po made himself comfortable by sitting cross-legged on the floor.
"It was ok I guess..." Po shrugged and replied sarcastically, reciprocating the feline charade. Viper eyed him significantly, merely tried to read between the line. He was keen to ask the feline why she sent Viper to meddle him on his date. But he interrupted his own intention, judging that it might be better to confront her in private. Watching the panda and the tiger growing tension, Viper decided to put her stamp of authority on the situation.
"I have very interesting finding." Viper alerted with a serious tone, shifting the pairs attention back to her. A spark of curiosity from both panda and tiger didn't go unseen, Viper smiled. They listen conscientiously as Viper began to explain.
"First I notice that Lu was trying to poison Po." She mentioned cautiously, not knowing how Po would react. Po's face turned pale in destitute, while Tigress was genuinely mystified hearing what Viper just said. "I know Po, it sounds surprising. But Lu had dropped something inside your tea when you were at the counter ordering the food. I purposely knocked over the cup, and I saw the spillage was causing a hole on the tablecloth." She explicated meticulously. "So I seconded Tigress initial suspicion, Lu might be hiding something, no offence Po, as Dragon Warrior, defender of China, you do have a lot of enemies... unfortunately your date tonight was one of them." Viper's eyes looked at the bear probing for his feedback. Po sighed as he cupped his own chin with his blunt claw, embracing the frustration of the world. Even someone who tried to befriend him was actually an enemy? how fitting! Worse still, how can his date nearly end in a deadly murder? And all this while he thought Lu was a friend he could trust.
"But... why she tried to kiss me?" Po flushed at his own statement while Tigress fought to conceal her displeasure. Viper tempted to chuckle in merriment overseeing the reaction both the panda and the tiger but managed to suppress it. Po was taking note of a brief moment of the tiger's despondency, but decided to remind absolutely discreet about it.
"I had no idea why, but while she was closing the gap between you two, I noticed a red-ruby-like gem, she grabbed it almost intentionally while leaning down for a kiss. It must hold a good reason why she did that." Viper reasoned. Po must admit, although he wasn't that clever, it was a very logical conclusion.
"What made you suspicious when you met her the first time?" Po reluctantly retraced his memory as he switched his attention to Tigress. Actually, Po didn't know why he bothered to ask her, as far as he befriended the tiger, 'trust' was something that came long and hard with her. 'Trust had to be earned', was her word. He himself took almost 5 years before she was comfortable trusting him.
"She doesn't smell like a panda." Her answered was short and cold. "...and that's why I asked Viper to spy on you, and for that, I did owe you an apology." As the case with Song and Lu Shi, both girls that had some 'history' with Po - one turned out to be a thief and the other was working for Junjie, so, to a certain extent, Tigress 'cat instinct' was indeed quite trustworthy, useful and accurate. Po was puzzled why did he seem to attract the wrong kind of girl, did he had 'I love criminal' written all over his forehead or something?
Po pursed his lips, he knew Tigress only meant well. "Apology accepted..." He sighed.
A trace of relief returned back to the feline hearing his statement.
"Wait...you mean she is actually NOT a panda." Po retorted inquisitively. She shrugged. "That's what my instinct told me... unless she is a worst case of bad body odour."
"Guys, I think we just need to leave it at that," Viper interjected. "I'm going to bed... and you guys had a long day tomorrow." She reminded. All three of them decide to leave it at that and retreated to their own chamber. Po exhaled. 'It's been such a weird day...'
The next morning, Tigress and Po were preparing to leave for their duo mission - which this time more like a leisure trip since there was no fighting involved.(hopefully!). The prospect of seeing other 'bodacious' Kung Fu Masters and being surrounded by food at the same time, clearly had made the panda more excitable than usual and neglecting all of his memory of his date's fiasco the night before.
Mr Ping normally took charge of packing Po's supply for his trip, but this time around Po decided to do it himself. He picked his nicest black formal embroidered silk jacket with matching trousers, a few scrolls and posters he wanted other Masters to sign, a few change of daily clothes, his action figure, a few scroll Shifu wanted him to read to prepare some lesson for the Five after he returned and the rest were various cutleries, a wok, two cups, and plenty of food supply. Well... as in PLENTY of food supply.
Tigress had done with her packing as well, she packed her simple blue cheongsam, which pretty much what she wore quite a few times during other special events. It was the one she felt most comfortable in, slightly loose and the cutting was very much traditional. Tigress didn't like being the centre of attention for all the wrong reason. After much haggling, Viper had forced her to take her lipstick which she reluctantly agreed. "A tiny bit of makeup won't hurt Tigress, besides other females might wear something special... you don't want to be the oddball." Her words cited in her head. 'Ok never mind, just in case.'
"Po are you ready." She called.
"I am born ready!" He answered with a child like enthusiasm. 'Just the answer I needed.' Tigress mentally deadpanned. And she had to survive the next three to four days with overly eager panda with severe fanaticism on kung fu. But she was secretly pleased Po was back to his old self. Tigress met the panda in the kitchen.
"Po, your pack look...severely loaded, what's inside?" She observed his pack curiously. The pack was brimming with loads of stuff that even the lid failed to secure tightly. Po shrugged casually. "Just everyday necessity I suppose. Like food... and a... clothing... and... underwear, y'know."
Tigress shook her head,"It's looked like you are carrying the entire kitchen with you." Evidently, a stash of bean buns and a few pack of noodles, radishes, bok choy, onion, celery and carrot decided to peek through the lid. "Well..., this time round since we are on... a trip... not a mission... I...erm... I wanted to make it enjoyable for both of us." He struggled a good excuse.
"Ok, since you are carrying your own pack, I let you decide. But don't forget to bring the tent. I've brought mine." She reminded.
Later on, outside at the gate.
"Now, be careful you two, and remember... do enjoy yourself," Shifu smirked as he sent off two of his most prized students.
"Thank you, Master." Po smiled widely, while Tigress just respectfully bent her form. Both of them walked down the thousand stairs in comfortable silence. As soon as Po and Tigress landed their foot at the village, Po quickly remembered that he had not seen his dad for since his last date with Tigress, in fact, he was completely neglecting to inform him of this mission.
"Tigress, could we... stop at my dad for 15 minutes?" He hesitated, but the tiger just shrugged as an approval. She wasn't that keen on coming to the banquet anyway, so Po's suggestion to see his dad had entertained her wish of putting as long delay as she could to their departure. They approached the restaurant within a couple of minutes, followed by the usual welcoming greeting and an exchanged of a passionate hug. darted his gaze to the tiger next to his son.
Tigress wore half a smile as she exchanged pleasantries, while Mr Ping revealed an uncomfortable grimace in return. He was still thinking about Po's date with Lu, knowing that he had a date with Tigress the night before. Clasping his wing, he waiting incessantly for his Son to explain his business coming down to see him.
"Tigress, would you mind if I just talk to my dad in the kitchen?" Po requested.
"Sure." Tigress pulled out short tonelessly. The goose and the panda disappeared from her sight.
"Dad, I am here to tell you... I will be off for 3 days mission... well, it's more like a trip. It was Master Ding's banquet." Po initial rueful tone was replaced by a more joyful excitable tone at the mention of the banquet. Mr Ping knew how much Po loves food, and what else could be better than food and kung fu coexisted in the same party?
"Ah... so not a deadly mission huh? And only you and Tigress going?" The goose displayed a smug smile, coherently coupled with rubbing both of his wings together. Finding the answer wasn't the point of him asking, it was the panda reaction he was after.
"Uhmm... yes dad, just me and...her..." He swallowed as if it would clear his distress. Mr Ping beak curved into a wide smile.
"So I take it you and Tigress are good despite your date with Lu?" He clarified. The panda just bit his lip with a little shy smile and nodded. "Then don't let her wait!" He nearly sounded yelling on the top of his lung as he forcefully repelled Po with his wing, almost happy to get rid of his son.
"But dad..., I thought you want to spend a few minutes with me before I left?" He moped.
"Nonsense, your prospective girlfriend is here, for now, she is OUR priority. Now you...GO! You left her once here before, I won't let you do it twice, son." His dad's tone turned into tyrannical command, as he ushered the panda to find a more confused tiger outside.
"That was quick." She commented with a smile, but her mind questioning what might happen inside between the father and son. Mr Ping was wearing complacent grin while Po's looked more like a forced, fake smile.
Po thought hard as he faced the feline master who incredulously locked gaze with him "It's...", Po gestured widely with a mouth opened but no words to fill it. He immediately snapped his jaw shut.
"Ok, have fun you two...Goodbye." Mr Ping interjected and zealously steered the baffled tiger and irritated panda to the gate of his restaurant, and he retreated back to his usual post by the kitchen counter, slightly tripping and humming. Tigress quizzically watched him disappeared behind the kitchen counter. "What was that all about?"
"Never mind, let's go..." Po tugged her forearm before she questioned his dad sanity over the situation even further.
Meanwhile, on the other side of the village. The female panda was talking to her mother. "We found her. Now flew back to the Imperial Palace and send reinforcement, we have some job to do."